Goal: Protest the use of a controversial pesticide used to control bird populations in Las Vegas community

Avitrol, an “acutely toxic” pesticide, has long been a controversial method of controlling bird populations. Recently, however, a residential community in Las Vegas ruffled residents’ feathers when its plans to use the poison–without notifying residents first–came to light. Tell those in charge of the community’s management that residents have a right to know about poisonous substances in their midst. Sign the petition and tell Excellence Community Management to adopt a transparent policy when it comes to pesticide use.

According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Avitrol “attacks and impairs birds’ nervous systems, causing birds who ingest the poison to become disoriented, exhibit erratic flight and tremors, and suffer violent convulsions for hours before they finally succumb to the effects of the toxin.” Furthermore, it is nearly impossible to control which species are affected by the poison–it kills not only target species, such as pigeons, but also other bird species, some of which may be endangered or protected. Even worse, predators who eat birds tainted by the poison are also affected, a fact that puts both wild animals and neighborhood pets at risk.

Community residents have the right to know when dangerous and risky pesticides are being used in their neighborhoods. Tell Excellence Community Management to adopt a responsible, transparent policy that respects residents’ wishes.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Ms. Blalock,

The purpose of a residential community is to provide its residents with the best living situation possible. However, the recent decision to use a dangerous pesticide at the Regent at Town Center fails to take into account the concerns of community members. Please respect your residents’ health and safety–reconsider your decision to use Avitrol to control the bird population, and make plans to adopt a more transparent policy that takes residents’ wishes into consideration.

Avitrol has long been a controversial product. Although it is highly effective when it comes to killing off “pests” like pigeons, it is just as likely to kill more desirable species, like songbirds. Furthermore, predators who eat birds poisoned by Avitrol can be killed themselves, a fact that places not only wild animals but also domestic pets at risk. Most worryingly, the poison’s mode of distribution–tainted corn kernels–makes it all too easy for small children to pick up and ingest a potentially fatal chemical.

Releasing such a potent form of poison into a neighborhood is not an action that should be undertaken lightly, nor is it one that should be undertaken at all without the consent or knowledge of the residents it affects. I urge you to find an alternative method of controlling the bird population at the Regent at Town Center, and to make sure that residents at all of your properties are appropriately involved in making such important decisions.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Christine Matthews via geograph

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Agreed… we did a lot of research when we learned our community HOA intended on using Avitorol. OvoControl is a bird birth control and a great alternative.

Unfortunately our HOA lied to us and told us they reconsidered their decision,, then after we received the investigation report from the department of agriculture, we learned the truth. Regent Town Center Las Vegas was poisoned on February 17th, 2013 and will more than likely continue to be poisoned by Avitrol hereafter… http://www.saynoavitrol.com/regent-town-center-updates.html

The only solution is an all out Avicide/Avitrol ban in residential communities… Public knowledge of what is happening is key,,